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Reports of the 2008 Temple - Leipzig Summer Intensive German Program The First Week in Leipzig - Report The past week has been a most interesting, varied and strenuous one. As reported, our group of sixteen (16) Temple University German students and resident advisor are attending an intensive summer program at the Herder Institut of the University of Leipzig. Last Wednesday and Thursday we undertook an overnight excursion to Berlin, capital of Germany. We arrived on the new Interconnex train in just over an hour from Leipzig at Potsdamer Platz in the center of the exciting city. We were staying in a hostel nearby at Anhalter Bahnhof, formerly the largest train station in Europe, but now a ruin and monument to the ravages of war. The Hostel wore the somewhat prosaic name of ‘Three Little Pigs’, but turned out to be a very nice, quaint, clean and comfortable retreat, just blocks away from the center of Berlin, the Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag, Unter den Linden, and the most historic and lively spots in the Metropolis, which like the ‘Phoenix’ of old has risen out of the destruction of the war and post war period to reclaim its place among the great cities of the modern world. To say that Berlin is spectacular is almost an understatement. One has to see it to believe it. Our group was treated to an hour and half boot excursion on the beautiful Spree River, sailing by the great monuments, museums and marvellous architecture of Berlin. In many ways this was reminiscent of the ‘Bateau Mouches’ in Paris. The boot was comfortable with an open-air upper deck where we gathered, relishing the bright sunshine and cool breezes. Afterwards, the students enjoyed free time to explore the culture and excitement of Berlin. On the next day, we undertook a side trip to Potsdam, Berlin’s neighbour and the site of the Palace of the German ‘Versailles’. Here was the residence of the King of Prussia, Frederick the Great who built several palaces here, but lavished care upon ‘San Souci’ and its gardens. The group took a guided tour of the Palace, and guided by Prof. Max Boese of Potsdam, an old and dear friend and colleague of Dr. Waskie, Temple advisor, we were shown the splendours of Potsdam, the Palaces, the gardens, and the old garrison town, now the state capital of Brandenburg. We enjoyed a delicious lunch in the most famous tavern of Potsdam ‘Klosterkeller’ where the prominent of the past were known to gather. Sampled were dishes of traditional foods and beverages. After the late lunch, we returned to the station to return to Berlin and the Connex train back to Leipzig. This weekend we were lucky enough to be involved in the annual ‘Leipziger Stadtfest’ or City Festival, held each year on this weekend. It began on Friday evening with the entire town center turned into a giant carnival grounds, with rides, crafts, foods, free open air concerts of every style and type of music. On Saturday evening in very midst of all the revelries associated with the City Festival, the Institut provided us with tickets to the Opera (Oper). We were privileged to see Mozart’s Magic Flute (Zauberfloete) in German. The students, many of whom are music majors, were enthralled, as was their advisor. After the exquisite performance, we were off to sample coffee, ice cream or beverages at the oldest and most famous coffee house in all of Germany (NO! Not that one): Coffee Baum founded in 1683. Sunday, the students were taken on a guided bus tour of the entire city of Leipzig and the environs, even out to the famed and imposing ‘Voelkerschlachtdenkmal’ of Memorial to the Battle of the Nations fought in October 1813, when Napoleon was defeated and forced to retreat to France. The Battle was the largest in history up to that time and was contested in and around Leipzig. The day and festival concluded with a festive Bach concert (Bach lived and worked in Leipzig) and fireworks, punctuated by the fact that the German National Soccer team had just completed a victory in the European Championships by defeating rival Poland 2 – 0! The Germans and most of the world are crazy for soccer! Today, Monday begins our second week at the University of Leipzig and Herder Institut InterDaf, and all are looking forward to ever new, ever changing experiences on the road and on target to our goal of speaking and understanding German! More to follow Second Week in Leipzig – Report This past week was full of many interesting, musical, artistic and historical experiences for the Temple contingent. Monday saw our students sharing presentations of the research projects they had undertaken last week in small groups to interview people on the street regarding various issues, including: travel, sports, shopping and music. The students did marvellous work presenting their findings and creating visuals to support the talks, and all in German! Today, many students arrived for the formal Intensive Language Program at the InterDaf Herder Institut, including from a dozen different countries. Thy have arrived to study here at the famous and celebrated Herder Institut. A special ‘Begruessungsparty’ or welcoming party was held in the medieval vaulted rooms of the ‘Moritzbastei’, a student Club. All were able to eat, drink and get acquainted with their new classmates. The next day, a formal academic ‘Festrede’ or ceremonial opening of the program was held in the festive and beautifully decorated ‘Senatsaal’ or University Senate Chamber, which was once the Dinning Room of the Saxon kings. There speeches of welcome were held, among others, the Rektor (president) of the University, Dr. Franz Haeuser spoke in classical terms of the importance of international cooperation, and about the history of the University, set to celebrate its 600th Anniversary in 2009! There were also musical interludes with classical musicians to set the tone. After the welcoming, the students were directed to an auditorium, where they were given a test to ascertain the levels of language skills they had so as to be placed in the correct course of instruction. After the exam, our students were given a guided tour through Leipzig’s History Museum featuring a look back into the DDR or East German Dictatorship. This was a fascinating look back into a recent, but bitter period of German history. After a lunch break, the students re-assembled at the Institut to receive their class assignments and launch into their course work. The program of the Herder Institut is quite unique in the outstanding array of methods and techniques they use to immerse the students into the German language and culture. This is not just class work! They use a combination of creative project work, individual phonetics practice, afternoon outside activities led by tutors from the university, excursion, cultural events and fun activities to promote an atmosphere of competent individual attention to learning. On Thursday we were all treated to a most stimulating experience: we received tickets to attend a concert at the famed and celebrated ‘Gewandhaus’ Concert Hall to hear a program of the ‘Gewandhaus’ Orchestra, led by: Music Director Riccardo Chailly. The program contained pieces by Bach (more on this), Wolfgang Rihm (a local modern composer who was present on stage), and Max Reger (formerly at the University of Leipzig). The atmosphere, the elegance and charm as well as the magnificent music made a lasting impression on all. Afterwards, as is customary, I took the students out for coffee and/or beverages to a local and historic pub: Coffee Baum (the oldest coffee haus in all of Germany dating to the 17th century). On Friday, I received a visit from a Temple student Sabrina Schlegel, a German major now studying in Hamburg. She is also a graduate of the Leipzig program. Unfortunately, another Temple German student now studying in Tuebingen, and likewise a former Leipzig participant, Jessica Hannan, also travelled to Leipzig to visit the group, but due to a delay in travel, was not able to meet us. Today the famous Bach fest-Leipzig opens with a solid week of the works of Bach and his musical family featured all over the city inside and outside in fee open air venues. Bach seems to be everywhere! Bach, after all, lived, composed, died and is buried in Leipzig. In the afternoon, there was an organ concert of Bach’s music in the Nikolaikirche in the old city, a church where Bach played himself. The weekend was taken up with all-day excursions for the students to explore famous historic sites outside of Leipzig and the region. On Saturday, the Institut arranged a bus tour to Eisenach in Thuringia to visit the ancient town and the fabled ‘Wartburg’ castle that ranges high above the city. The ‘Wartburg’ may be the most famous of all German castles, where many historic events transpired, legends abound and where, some say the German Literary Language was born! Martin Luther spent a year in hiding at the ‘Wartburg’ and spent his time translating parts of the Bible into a new kind of German Language, reachable to all. The ‘Wartburg’ is beautifully restored to its former glory, and one can spend a lifetime here studying German Architecture and history. Afterwards, we visited the old city for lunch and later gathered for a tour of Johann Sebastian Bach’s birthplace! The house where he was born is now a museum to him and his music. We were also afforded a concert of Bach music on original antique instruments that Bach himself may have used. The trip took about three (3) hours driving time each way through some truly beautiful territory with a rest stop each way in the ‘Thueringerwald’. We arrived home in Leipzig in time to attend a free open air concert of the Bach-Fest on the main city square Augustusplatz´, although the weather had turned a bit cold, windy and rainy, and only true Bach fans were braving the conditions. (The orchestra was safely ensconced in a closed-in pavilion) On Sunday, the Temple students took a train ride to Dresden, the glorious city of the Baroque, now the capital of the federal state of Saxony (where Leipzig is also located). Although almost completely destroyed in World War II, and only partially rebuilt under the Communist government, has now risen like the ‘Phoenix’ of legend to almost its pre-war magnificence. The Germans, with the help of contributions form around the world are in the process of rebuilding Dresden to what it once was. They are succeeding, but at an enormous cost. The landmark ‘Frauenkirche’ (Our Lady’s Church) which had only been a pile of rubble until ten years ago has now been completely restored! The rest of the city is gradually taking on its appearance form the 18th Century Baroque. We enjoyed a walking tour of the old city, followed by a very nice lunch of Saxon style food, then on the ‘Zwinger’ museum (one of the most celebrated art collections in the world) for a guided tour of the ‘Gemaeldegalerie-Alte Meister’ or Old Masters Gallery in German! The highlight was the view of the ‘Sistine Madonna’ by Raphael, purchased from the Vatican in the 18th Century by the King of Saxony to grace his art collection. After a bit of free time in Dresden to explore its beauty individually, we returned to Leipzig via train, arriving back after 8:00PM, tired, but filled with thoughts and memories of ‘never to be forgotten’ sites and images. Today, Monday, it is back to class, but with more adventures to follow! Third Week in Leipzig – Report Germany and most of Europe stands in ‘Fussballfieber’ or Soccer fever with the European Cup Championship being contested, and Germany is in the Semi-finals! They will play against Turkey on Wednesday evening to see who will enter the final round! Germany is awash in Black-Red-Gold, the national colors, and excitement is in the air. I hope to report a good outcome for your favorite team at the end of the week and for the final report before the Program ends on Friday. The students have fallen into the routine of the InterDaf Herder Institut Program, and are quite well acclimated to life in Leipzig. They attend classes every day from 9:00am until 12 noon, when they break for lunch; then return for afternoon work on Projects, Phonetics, extra work, or special afternoon sessions available to the students by signing up. They can then do all sorts of creative activities designed to give them a more in depth look into the vibrant cultural life of a bustling city, sport activities, social activities, concerts, or just plain fun! The InterDaf Herder Institut is particularly renowned for its multifaceted array of cultural and academic options offered to the students. In the evening, the students are free to explore the cultural life of Leipzig, or attend one of the planned entertainment tips. A favourite seems to be the legendary Student Club: ‘Moritzbastei’ built by students in the medieval fortifications of Leipzig. Another excellent option is to stroll or even ‘power walk’ through the beautiful city parks of Leipzig, especially now in the height of late spring early summer, with the aromas wafting through the air, happy people playing or relaxing, and birds in full song! On Wednesday, a group of students elected to visit the striking and monumental ‘Voelkerschlachtdenkmal’ or memorial to the Battle of the Nations, the largest battle in history up to World War I, during the Napoleonic period, engaging over 500,000 combatants over four days of bloody fighting pitting the French and her allies against the Opposition, including Prussia, Russia, Austria. Fought in October 1813 in and about Leipzig, the victory over Napoleon cost over 100,000 lives and forced Napoleon out of Germany, back to France and ended his sway over Europe. To commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Battle and the fallen of all sides, the largest monument in Europe was erected in 1913 to honor those who struggled here. The group assembled at the Train Station with a teacher from Herder Institut (Frau Klapperstueck) who directed us via trolley (one of the best system’s I have ever experienced!) and we reached the imposing monument on a very hot and sultry day. We toured the museum and exhibits and were then invited to climb, the over 500 steps to the viewing platform on top! Believe it or not, but we all made it - at differing speeds. The view from the top is spectacular and with a pronounced wind, making the heat somewhat bearable. There was a squad of German army soldiers on top with us, studying the tactics of the battle. They were also preparing the area for a large carnival-like exhibition of…you may have guessed - a ‘Beer festival’! (Bierboerse). That evening, the students were invited to attend an open- air performance of the Shakespeare classic ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ done in German (Sommernachtstraum). The locale is an old power station next to a canal, that has been transformed into an open-air improvisation-style theatre with the station, canal and surroundings the stage. It was quite well done and very entertaining. Afterwards, we returned to our rooms via trolley tired but thrilled with an exciting day. Thursday’s routine was enhanced when I was able to accept an invitation by a friend to attend an academic lecture at the imposing Saxon Academy of Sciences, an old and distinguished institute of research and learning. The program was a presentation on the medieval German emperor Friedrich II: ‘Antichrist or Prince of Freedom?’. The lecture was given by one of the most distinguished historians of the medieval German empire, Prof. Dr Hubert Houben of the Italian University of Lecce. His presentation before ca. 50 colleagues, students and guests was brilliant, thought provoking and entertaining too. The height of academia was then challenged by the soccer championship that evening with Germany facing a stiff rival in early favourite Portugal. To the surprise of many, Germany easily defeated the Portuguese to ascend into the semi-final round. On Friday, my routine was enhanced by a special tour of the Battle of the Nations arranged by my historian friend Mr. Klaus Grabenhorst. With several experts and military historians. We were taken to the highlights of the battle and historic venues still preserved, in order to better understand the pivotal actions. The students reserved the weekend for independent travel. Some were travelling to Prague for the weekend to visit the ancient and beautiful city of a ‘hundred towers’, the ‘Golden City of Prague’, while others were planning on trips back to Berlin or Dresden, others to stay at home in Leipzig to enjoy the end of the Bachfest or simply to relax. I will gather stories of the weekend and share them with my readers before the end of the program on Saturday (June 28th). The Third or 'Free' weekend in Germany As a special continuation of the adventures of the Temple University student group now engaged in its last week of instruction at the Herder Institut InterDaf of the University of Leipzig, I would like to add some of the experiences from the past weekend. This weekend is always reserved for independent travel by the students if they so choose. Below, you will find a sampling of some of the adventures featuring members of the group. Six (6) students under the able leadership of student Barbara Ledford and with assistance from Temple Advisor, Dr. Waskie embarked on a weekend journey to the ancient and storied capital of Bohemia or the Czech Republic ‘Golden Prague’. Since we are presently located in Leipzig, a city in Eastern Germany, the state of Saxony = Sachsen, we are very close to the Czech border. In fact, a train ride to Prague takes about three (3) hours with a change in Dresden. The students were able to obtain a special discount price for the trip travelling together as a group and receiving close to a 50% reduction! They also reserved rooms at a very nice Hostel in the Old City at a very reasonable price. Armed with enthusiasm, a spirit of adventure, and newly honed Language skills (Czech is the official language, but German is widely understood), they set off on Friday afternoon to explore ‘Hundred-towered’ Prague. Their accounts of this spectacular city were exciting and made many of the others envious. They were instructed before they departed by Prof. Waskie where they should go, and what they should try to see. In fact, they were able to get most of the highlights of the city in a brief time. They were particularly enchanted by the Old Town Square with the magical and musical clock; the Charles Bridge; and the beauty and majesty of the Hradceny, the Imperial palace and St Vitus Cathedral. They returned to Leipzig late Sunday evening, filled with memories to last a lifetime and happy to have had the opportunity to visit the legendary city of Prague! Other Temple students elected to stay home in Leipzig to relax, and drink in (we hope not too literally) the atmosphere and culture of the German Capital of Music in the final days of the famed Bach festival. Some decided to go swimming at Cospudenersee, a near by attraction where one can relax, explore nature, swim, row a boat or ride a bike around the lake. The weather over the weekend was magnificent, but also tended a bit hot and humid, so a visit the lake was well worth it. Your humble reporter had also planned a quick ‘get away’ to visit his friend and colleague Prof. Max Boese in Potsdam. Traveling in a very comfortable, fast and efficient new rail line ‘Interconnex’ which only runs between Leipzig and Berlin and at substantial savings, I was able to reach Berlin Hauptbahnhof (Main Train Station) and transfer to the Berlin S-Bahn or city transportation system Line S-7 for the pleasant ride to Potsdam, the capital of the state of Brandenburg or ‘Old Prussia’. There I met Max Boese. We undertook a program of exploring historic sites in the state of Brandenburg, rarely seen by Americans. On the schedule were a trip to Brandenburg City to see the ancient Cathedral, Town Hall and old city; on to the ‘Schwielowsee’ (lake Schwielow). Brandenburg is a countryside featuring many lakes, forests and open meadows as well as gently rolling hills reminiscent of our own Lancaster County. In the evening I was privileged to attend the City Theater of Potsdam situated directly on the beautiful Havel River. The play was a favorite of mine: Goethe’s Faust! The production was advant garde and innovative, portraying Faust as a young and old man simultaneously, something I had never encountered before. The next day, we were back on the road into the heart of Brandenburg to the ‘Schorfheide’ an exquisite land of hidden beauties and cultural treasures, visiting more lakes such as ‘Werbellinsee’ and on to the ancient Monastery of Kloster Chorin, an early Gothic masterpiece that is slowly being lovingly restored to its original beauty. That day there a full orchestra concert of Classical music being performed in the choir of the Church. After a lunch along the ‘Chorinersee’, we were off to see a marvel of technology: the Schiffshebewerk at Niederfinow. This is a giant mechanical lock on the Oder-Havel- Canal that literally lifts large or several smaller boats over 100´ (feet) or 30 meters into the air to elevate them to the higher level of the canal for continuation on their way. The huge lock was actually first constructed in the late 19th century under the German Kaiser Wilhelm and is a thrill to see in action. After a farewell dinner at the ‘Meierei’ at Cecilienhof (site of the Potsdam Conference of 1945) and situated with an overlook onto the Havel river below and surrounding woods and hills of the Berlin – Potsdam environs, I was on my way back to lovely Leipzig to take up my role as Temple Advisor again. All in all a perfect dream weekend spent in gorgeous weather in a lovely land of culture, history and beauty among many friends new and old. Fourth or Final Week in Germany This final week in Leipzig was spent primarily in preparations by the students for the various exams, both written and oral interview conducted by the faculty of the Herder Institut InterDaf. The Temple students and their many fellow students from around the world were also busily engaged in the preparations for the final projects which are a hallmark of this program and a highlight of the semester. The projects and themes are selected by the participants themselves who form partnerships among themselves according to their interests. Some of the projects selected were: Music; Contemporary Germany; German History; etc. On Saturday, all were supposed to move out of the dorms, but some remained for a day or two longer in Leipzig before they either returned home or moved to the next adventure abroad. A group of Temple students gathered on Saturday evening to say final ‘good byes’ at the famous and historic Coffeebaum Café (first Coffee house in Germany 1690). Anthony Waskie, Ph.D. Temple University German Department Resident Advisor 2008
Temple University Summer Intensive German Program in Leipzig 2009 Experience German Language & Culture in Leipzig this summer!
If you wish a summer-based intensive language program in German, we recommend our program in Leipzig June 1 - June 27, 2009 for 4 credits! Did you know this about Leipzig, Germany? The peaceful revolution, which caused the collapse of East The world famous composer Johann Sebastian Bach lived in For four days every spring Leipzig is the Wave-Gothik Capital 840 years ago - in 1165 - the city of Leipzig already had 500 Europe's biggest Computer Games Convention is held in Leipzig was the only city in the former East Germany to host In the United States there are three towns named after Temple Leipzig Summer Program 2008 available on-line! (The 2009 program will be included soon) go to: http://www.temple.edu/studyabroad/programs/summer/germany/index.html PROGRAM This is a four-week program of German language instruction taught at the Herder Institute of the University of Leipzig in Saxony. The program is designed for students who have had at least one semester of German, but are not yet at the advanced level. Included are tours and overnight excursions, as well as intensive instruction leading to four (4) Temple credits. The Herder Institute has more than 40 years of excellence in advancing German Language skills, as well as teaching about the culture and civilization of Germany. interDaF at the University of Leipzig’s Herder Institute is a non- profit association that makes up the University of Leipzig’s center specializing in German as a Foreign Language — and continues the proud tradition in this field maintained here for decades. This program is best suited for beginning and intermediate German language students. There are a limited number of advanced courses at the Herder Institute. LEIPZIG Located in the heart of Europe in the former East Germany, the city of Leipzig has a population of nearly 700,000. In the past, Leipzig was a center of trade fairs, the seat of the Supreme Court, the leading center of libraries, publishing houses and the German book trade, and the hub of European trade. One thing which remains unchanged is Leipzig’s significance as a city of music (Bach, Mendelssohn, Wagner), the arts, and above all, science and learning. Founded in 1409, its university is the second oldest in Germany. Leipzig’s historic importance is self-evident from its numerous magnificent buildings (now mostly refurbished), which include first-class sights such as the Old Town Hall, the Old Exchange, the old and new exhibition centers, and the Monument to the Battle of Leipzig. Located in a beautiful area of vistas, history, and culture, Leipzig is only two hours from Berlin, one hour from Dresden and Weimar, and three hours from Prague. COURSES During the first week of the program students will participate in an orientation that will familiarize them with the university and the city. The orientation will also include an excursion to Dresden. The following three weeks will consist of intensive language study and excursions outside of the city. Students will take placement tests upon arrival and will then enroll in the appropriate level of German. Beginning students, who must have at least one semester of German or its equivalent, will enroll in German 0052 for four credits. Intermediate students will enroll in German 0061 or German 0062 for three credits, plus a one-credit Independent Study in German Studies. Students placing at advanced levels may enroll in German W231: Advanced Composition, or German 0200: Intensive German, plus a one-credit Independent Study in German Studies. TOP FACULTY The program coordinator will be Dr. Anthony Waskie, professor of German at Temple University, who will accompany the group and act as advisor, and assist in evaluation and granting of credit. Dr. Waskie is a specialist in German language and literature. He has extensive experience teaching German, and studied at the University of Marburg & Salzburg (Austria). He has visited Leipzig and the university, and has led the department effort to set up this program. The language faculty will be those assigned by the Herder Institute and the University of Leipzig. FIELD TRIPS In addition to tours of Leipzig, the program includes an overnight excursion to Berlin and Potsdam. The Herder Institute also organizes optional day trips to Weimar, Spreewald, and Saxon Switzerland, which students may take advantage of at an additional cost. ACCOMODATION & MEALS Students will live in a single room in the student dormitory. Meals can be taken in the university cafeteria at affordable prices, prepared in the kitchenettes in dorms, or taken in town at restaurants. 2008 COSTS PA Resident Non-Resident Undergraduate Tuition (4cr) $1500 $2524 Germany Fee* $815* $815* * Germany fee is based on 2007 costs and subject to change The Germany fee includes housing and the overnight excursion to Berlin and Potsdam. In addition, students need to budget money for personal expenses including meals; local and personal travel; optional excursions; international airfare, which is estimated at $700; health insurance; and the International Student Identity Card (currently $22). 2008 CALENDAR (Summer I) Dates are tentative and subject to change Arrival: Friday, May 30, 2008. Orientation Week: June 2-6. Regular classes Begin: June 9-27. Classes End: June 27th. Last Night in Residence: Friday, June 27. Program Ends June 28th ELIGIBILITY AND APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS Please see General Summer Information for program eligibility and application requirements that apply to all programs. In addition for the German program, students must have successfully completed one semester of German language at the university level. APPLICATION DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 15, 2008 For more information, please contact Dr. Anthony Waskie, Temple University, Department of German, French, Italian and Slavic, 215-204-5452, awaski01@temple.edu. Summer of 2008: Study German in the City of Music: Leipzig! Bach, Wagner, Handel and Mendelssohn called it home! Summer Session I - May 30, - June 28, 2008! Temple University Summer Intensive German Program in Leipzig 2008 If you wish a summer-based intensive language program in German, we recommend our program in Leipzig June 2 - June 28, 2008 for 4 credits! All levels of proficiency available; Intensive instruction: Excursions; Cultural programs; Meet German students! Old University City of Leipzig, City of Bach! Wagner! Mendelssohn! Handel! Spend your summer speaking German in Leipzig! Intensive German Language Summer Session I: June 2 - June 28, 2008. This is a four-week program of German language instruction on a level commensurate with the student's skills from ˜beginner" to ˜advanced", which will be taught at InterDaf am Herder Institut of the University of Leipzig in Saxony. Included will be tours and overnight excursions, as well as intensive instruction leading to four (4) Temple credits. InterDaf am Herder Institut has over 40 years of excellence in advancing German Language skills, as well as teaching about the culture and civilization of Germany. InterDaF at the University of Leipzig's Herder Institut is a non-profit association which makes up the University of Leipzig's center specializing in German as a Foreign Language and continues the proud tradition in this field maintained here for decades. About Leipzig Located in the heart of Europe in former East Germany, the city of Leipzig has a population of nearly 700,000. In the past, Leipzig was a center of trade fairs, the seat of the Supreme Court, the leading center of libraries, publishing houses and the German book trade, and the hub of European trade. One thing which remains unchanged is Leipzig's significance as a city of music (Bach, Mendelssohn, Wagner, Handel, Schumann, Liszt, etc.), the arts, and above all science and learning. Founded in 1409, its university is the second oldest in Germany. Leipzig's historic importance is self-evident from its numerous magnificent buildings (now mostly refurbished), which include first-class sights such as the Old Town Hall, the Old Exchange, the old and new exhibition centers, and the Monument to the Battle of Leipzig. Located in a beautiful area of vistas, history, and culture, Leipzig is only two hours from Berlin; one hour from Dresden and Weimar, and three hours from Prague. For more details go to: http://isc.temple.edu/awaskie/ (click on Temple in Leipzig) http://www.temple.edu/studyabroad/Programs/GermanySummer/Leipzig1.htm Attention all students interested in a Summer Intensive Language Program in Germany in Summer I (June 2007) The Temple at Leipzig Summer Intensive Language Program is extending the application deadline until: February 28, 2007 If you are interested in an outstanding program in a most beautiful city, learning the German and exploring the heritage and culture, while receiving graduation credit, please consider applying by: February 28th in the International Programs office of Temple University, #200, Tuttleman Hall. For more details go to: http://isc.temple.edu/awaskie/ (click on Leipzig) http://www.temple.edu/studyabroad/Programs/GermanySummer/Leipzig1.htm Contact: Anthony Waskie, Ph.D. Temple University German Department Anderson Hall #513 Philadelphia, PA 19122 Tel: 215-204-5452 e-mail: awaski01@temple.edu
New York Times [January 8, 2006] Going to Leipzig By JAMIE TRECKER WHY GO NOW Eastern Germany in winter evokes San Francisco in spring. Yes, it can get cold and damp, but don't allow the weather to keep you from this proud and historic Saxon city, which dates from the 1100's. Leipzig - also known as Heldenstadt, or the City of Heroes - was the crucible for revolt against the Communist dictatorship in East Germany, culminating in a nonviolent revolution that forced the collapse of the Berlin Wall in 1989. The city has made a spectacular rebound from those grim days. Today, Leipzig boasts striking architecture, with Baroque, modernist and Stalinist- era buildings forming an oddly charming city center that is home to hundreds of shops, restaurants, coffee shops and clubs. Leipzig is a host city for this summer's World Cup, which runs from June 9 through July 9. While that means the city is sprucing up for the influx of tourists, with various capital improvements under way, it also means hotel rooms will be scarce during the tournament, and prices will be inflated. WHERE TO STAY Leipzig has some 11,500 hotel rooms, so finding good, affordable lodging is generally easy. Some of the best places to stay are in the city's center circle (the Zentrum) or abutting the Karl-Liebknecht- Strasse along the south (süd) side of the city. The Zentrum has some beautiful Saxon architecture and remains lively until late - shops tend to close at 8 p.m., except the shops in the railway station mall (with longer hours), and restaurants and clubs stay open as late as 3 a.m. The Süd district is more modern and younger; cafes and boutiques selling everything from purses to yarn line the strip for about 10 blocks. The centrally located Galerie Hotel Leipziger Hof runs between 72 to 117 euros (or $87 to $141, at $1.21 to the euro) a night for a double, double occupancy, with breakfast; Hedwigstrasse 1-3, (49-341) 69740; www.leipziger- hof.de. It has funky rooms and a Baroque facade. While each room is modern and spartan, local artists contribute artwork - paintings or sculpture - to make each of the 72 rooms unique. The hotel also has a gallery and spa facilities. Just south of the city center sits the Hotel Markgraf, right off the Karl- Liebknecht- Strasse, at Kaemmerstrasse 36, (49-341) 3030 30; www.markgraf- leipzig.de. The Markgraf is modern and sleek - this is your classic "European" hotel - with small rooms and platform beds with thin mattresses (though comfortable). With a lot of blond wood, it was reminiscent of a Tokyo hotel - but with a bigger and better bathroom. It also has decent rates: a double is about 75 euros a night, without breakfast. It is a short walk or tram ride into the city center. WHERE TO EAT Travelers expecting the traditional German fare of brats n' kraut will be pleasantly surprised to find that Leipzig's cuisine - reflecting its Saxon roots - is sophisticated and delicious. Literary fans will want to check out the iconic Auerbachs Keller (Cellar), MÃdler Passage, Grimmaische Strasse 2-4, (49- 341) 216 00, www.auerbachs- keller-leipzig.de, which is one of the settings for Goethe's "Faust." Auerbachs plays off this heritage, with an actor dressed as Mephistopheles appearing on Thursdays around 9:30 p.m. to leap about the tables. Whether or not such theatrics are to your liking, the food is great. Auerbachs is considered one of the city's best restaurants, and specializes in elegantly prepared game such as duck or wild boar, fire roasted, for 12.70 euros. Daily fare runs from 14.90 euros for the excellent smoked duck to 25 euros for roast saddle of lamb. The historic Bavarian Train Station (Bayerischer Bahnhof), on the south side of the city, is being rebuilt, but it remains open for the original (and last surviving) Gose-style brewery. Gose, a light, salted beer dating from A.D. 996, is produced in quantity at the Bayerischer Bahnhof, a brewery, beer garden and restaurant, at Bayerischer Platz 1, (49-341) 12457 60, www.bayerischer-bahnhof.de. Here's where you can get traditional German sausages and other specialties like schweinehaxe (pork knuckle) in black beer sauce (9.20 euros). For a light meal and a draught of the unofficial drink of Leipzig - coffee - visit the Coffe Baum, Kleine Fleischergasse 4, (49-341) 961 0060, www.coffe-baum.de, which calls itself Europe's second-oldest coffee house. Open since 1696, the CoffeeBaum entertained such luminaries as Wagner, Schumann and Liszt and, according to legend, the Emperor Napoleon. A simple cup of coffee is about 2 euros, with cakes and pastries from 2 to 5 euros. DURING THE DAY Leipzig is an architectural nirvana. In a stroll through the dense city center (which takes no more than a day), you'll see medieval buildings next to stark modernist boxes, and gorgeous Baroque complexes next to churches dating from the 1100's. Of particular interest are the St. Nicholas Church (Nikolaikirche) just north of Grimmaische and Ritterstrasse (www.nikolaikirche-leipzig.de) and the Old City Hall (Altes Rathaus) nearby. The St. Nicholas Church was built in 1165, rebuilt in the 16th century, but gained modern fame as the meeting place for the large demonstration that swept the Communist government out in 1989. It has a magnificent organ, and is open daily for worship. Donations are gratefully accepted. The Old City Hall dates back to 1557 and is considered the city's finest Renaissance building. Built in an astonishing nine months by Hieronymus Lotter, the city hall faces the main market square. Inside is the city's municipal museum, which can be visited daily during normal business hours, also for a small donation. The St. Thomas Church, or Thomaskirche (www.thomaskirche.org), employed Johann Sebastian Bach during the early 1700's to play the organ, and, in his honor, the church plays host to Bach concerts every Saturday night in summer. Winter concerts vary, but the church itself is spectacular - it has a large, white turret and can accommodate some 1,700 worshipers - and is open to the public for worship. WHAT TO DO AT NIGHT Leipzig was home to a number of influential composers - Bach, Wagner and Mendelssohn - and to Germany's first conservatory (today renamed as the Mendelssohn College of Music and Theater). Music is performed virtually every night year round, with top-caliber productions held at the Leipzig Opera House in Augustusplatz (www.oper-leipzig.de) and at the St. Nicholas Church. The Opera House is also home to the Leipzig Ballet, which stages original and classic performances. In March, the Leipzig Opera and company will perform "The Marriage of Figaro" as well as the "Rocky Horror Picture Show"; the ballet will be continuing its run of "Ballett II." Tickets for productions at the Opera House cost 15 to 65 euros. The Gewandhaus Orchestra, housed just behind the Leipzig Opera House, offers classical concert series year round. It will play host to a Mozart festival from the Jan. 27 to 29. Tickets range widely - from 22 to 70 euros - depending on the event and venue. Information: www.gewandhaus.de. Clubbing is also huge in Leipzig. The Nachtcafe, at 10 Markgrafenstrasse, (49-341) 2117 708, www.nachtcafe.com, is a disco of the old-school variety (think Studio 54), which plays slithery house music and attracts the "it" crowd; as in New York, the cover price seems to vary depending on whom you are with. WHERE TO SHOP Antique-book hounds should head straight for the St. Nicholas Church - used- and rare-book stores line the streets radiating out from the plaza. Notable is the enormous, marble-columned Leipziger Antiquariat (Ritterstrasse 16), which sells curios from sheet music to elegantly bound books of maps; www.leipzigerantiquariat.de. The MÃdler Passage is the place for German luxury goods makers such as Porsche Design and continental favorites like Mont Blanc and Lacoste. Of note is Bassetti (Grimmaische Strasse 2-4), which sells pillows and fabrics from Italy. Shops along the Passage are expensive. More middle-market goods - from clothing to electronics - can be found in the enormous shopping arcade in the main train station, the Hauptbahnhof. On the first Saturday of the month, there is a large antique and flea market, just opposite platform 24. YES, FREE The linchpin of the Communist rule was the hated Stasi, or secret police, who spied on hundreds of citizens - and one another. For a glimpse of life during this period, visit the Museum of the Stasi, in the former Stasi headquarters in the Runde-Ecke building, Dittriching 24, (49-341) 961 2443; www.runde-ecke-leipzig.de. The exhibits are all in German, but English translations are available. It is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. YOUR FIRST OR 10TH VISIT Take a short, leisurely stroll through the Leipzig Zoo (www.zoo-leipzig.de). The zoo is divided into zones (Africa, Asia, South America, reptiles, a petting garden and "Pongoland"), each with guides and activities. It's open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. most months and is easily accessible from tram line 12. Admission is 10 euros; children 6 euros. WIRED There are more than 70 Wi-Fi hot spots around the city; check on JWire (www.jwire.com) or the Wireless Node Database Project (www.nodedb.net/europe/de) for locations and details. HOW TO GET THERE Leipzig is approximately two hours south of Berlin by train; the Inter-City Express (ICE) runs every two hours and costs 36 euros for second class and 57 euros for first (www.bahn.de and www.eurail.com). Leipzig is also accessible by plane from Frankfurt. For information on flights from other European cities, visit www.leipzig-halle-airport.de/en/ home/index.html. GETTING AROUND A phrase book is essential, though many restaurants and hotels have English speakers on staff or English menus. Leipzig boasts an excellent tram system that reaches just about everywhere in the city. Trams run frequently, and a day ticket, the LeipzigCard, costs 7.90 euros; a family of four can buy a three-day pass for 26 euros. link: http://travel2.nytimes.com/2006/01/08/travel/08going.html?emc=eta1
Temple in Leipzig: 4th Week June 26-30, 2006 Last weekend was the free weekend for students to organize their own weekend travel plans. Among our group, a visit to Prague, the beautiful capital of the Czech Republic and a city of history and culture, very important in German and European civilization was the most popular destination. Many of our students took the train to Prague, stayed in a hostel and visited the historic sites in the ‘Golden City’. Others traveled to Heidelberg in Württemberg to visit the ancient university town. Some went to Hamburg, and still others went back to Dresden. All the students were able to use their German in practical circumstances, travel on their own and gather lifelong experiences. Yours truly was also able to travel on the weekend and fulfilled a career long goal to visit the German Baltic Sea Coast (Ostseekueste), the Islands of Ruegen and Hiddensee, and the ancient Hanseatic cities of Greifswald, Rostock, Wismar and Stralsund. The experiences were breath-taking and unforgettable. In the 4th week, the students were very busy preparing for their project presentations and final exams. Of course, the excitement of the ‘World Cup’ continued to grow, as Germany was scheduled to play Argentina, a Cup favorite on Friday. I also fulfilled another long time goal by visiting the ancient, medieval city of Merseburg, just a short bus ride outside Leipzig. The city was well preserved and charming. The ancient cathedral and its famous treasure of the old Germanic ritual charms (Zaubersprueche) was a special experience for yours truly. On Thursday, we held our ‘Abschiedsfeier’ or Farewell party at the famous old Leipzig beer garden: Gosenschenke. Everyone seemed happy and thrilled with their experience, and all came away with a good feeling and many treasured memories of the 2006 Leipzig program. Friday was the last full day of the program. The students gathered in the Moritz Bastei student club to present their projects and share a final joint meal with the international students and faculty of the Institut. Later that evening, many of us gathered again outdoors in magnificent weather at various pubs and cafes to view the Germany – Argentina match of the World Cup, which Germany won in an exciting shoot out. Such joyous celebrations have rarely been seen in Leipzig and all of Germany in quite some time. Thus ended the 2006 Temple – Leipzig German Language Program on a very successful and joyous note!Plans are also already set to begin to schedule next year’s Temple in Leipzig 2007! Be part of the excitement and Learning! Images of Leipzig, Germany Bundesland: Sachsen
Oper Leipzig – Musiktempel in alter, neuer Pracht
Die Oper Leipzig strahlt in neuem Glanz. In den vergangenen elf Monaten wurde das 47 Jahre alte Haus für 9,5 Millionen Euro saniert und aufwendig rekonstruiert. "In Spitzenzeiten haben 200 Handwerker dazu beigetragen, den Originalzustand von 1960 wieder herzustellen. Wir wollten nicht bloß alte Farbe überpinseln, sondern bis zum Ursprung zurückgehen", sagt Baumeister Volker Längrich. Statt modernem Chic dominiert der Charme der 1960er Jahre. Klare Linien, viel Licht und warmes Ambiente. Anders als vor der Schließung sind die Farben frischer, die Kronleuchter glänzen mehr und das Publikum wird dank bequemerer Sitze nun auch lange Opernabende genießen können. Hinter der "Frischzellenkur" steckt eine immense Arbeit. 7200 Quadratmeter Lüftungskanäle wurden entfernt und neu aufgebaut, 3700 Quadratmeter Teppich verlegt, aus Wänden und Decken gesundheitsschädlicher Asbest abgetragen, der Brandschutz wurde verbessert und die komplette Bestuhlung nach historischem Vorbild erneuert - alles unter den Auflagen des Denkmalschutzes. Das Haus wurde mit einem großen Festival eröffnet. Das Ballett, die neuen Sänger des Opernensembles, das Gewandhausorchester samt Gewandhaus-Quartett, Schauspiel- Intendant Wolfgang Engel und viele andere gestalten das mehrstündige Programm, zu dem mehr als 5000 Besucher den Weg in die Oper fanden. http://www.oper-leipzig.de/html/index.php Leipzig - Handelsmetropole und Kulturstadt http://www.leipzig.de/de/buerger/kultur/ Mehr über deutsche Kunst und Kultur finden Sie auf www.Germany.info |
